Thinkerman Posted December 26, 2003 ------------------------------------------------------------------ Many people are thought to be buried under the rubble A powerful earthquake that hit south-east Iran has left at least 4,000 people dead, state TV reported. Tens of thousands of others were injured in the quake, which had its epicentre near the ancient city of Bam. Rescuers have rushed to the area, but phone lines to Bam have been cut, hampering relief efforts. Power and water supplies have been disrupted. Iran suffers frequent earthquakes, with small tremors happening almost daily - and 35,000 dying in one 1990 quake. The French news agency AFP reports that 500 people have already been buried in Bam, a city of about 80,000 people. I have lost all my family. My parents, my grandmother and two sisters are under the rubble Maryam, survivor Pictures of the earthquake Reporters in the city said there were scenes of intense grief, with people losing many relatives at a stroke. "I have lost all my family. My parents, my grandmother and two sisters are under the rubble," Maryam, 17, told Reuters. It is thought many people were crushed as they slept in their beds. "The timing was very bad - early morning, everybody at home," the Red Crescent's Mostafa Mohaghegh told the BBC. Iranian state television reported that 60% of the houses in Bam had been destroyed. "Authorities have demanded immediate blood donations to save the lives of those who have been admitted to hospital in the provincial capital of Kerman," the television report said. A legislator representing the affected area said he believed the death toll could be 10,000, but it is not clear how he arrived at that figure. The local governor, Mohammad Ali Karimi, told state radio many people were buried under the rubble. Crisis centre The BBC's Miranda Eeles in Tehran says a crisis centre has been set up in Kerman, some 200 kilometres (125 miles) from Bam. RECENT IRAN QUAKES February 1997: about 1,000 killed in north-western Iran May 1997: More than 1,500 killed in eastern Iran June 1990: 35,000 died in worst recorded disaster in Iran, affecting the Caspian regions of Gilan and Zanjan. About half a million people made homeless June 1981: More than 1,000 killed in quake that destroyed town of Golbaf Officials have pleaded with people to stay off the road between Bam and Kerman in order to speed the flow of rescue vehicles. Rescue teams are flying to the area by plane and helicopter. Russia is sending emergency response to assist, Russian media reported. The Red Crescent is setting up tents to house survivors. Mr Mohaghegh said the region, a semi-desert area, is cold at night and warm clothes and heating will be needed. Friday's quake had a magnitude of at least 6.3, according to Iranian sources. The US Geological Survey measured it at 6.7. The earthquake occurred at 0528 local time (0158 GMT), Iran's official news agency Irna quoted the Tehran University Geophysics Centre as saying. Two strong aftershocks followed the original quake. Heritage site The historic city of Bam, about 1,000 kilometres (620 miles) south-east of the capital Tehran, is reported to have suffered most. Jewel of Iranian heritage An important regional centre in the 16th and 17th centuries, the city contained many ancient buildings not built to withstand earthquakes. Its 2,000-year-old mud-brick citadel is reported to have been destroyed. Since 1991, tremors have claimed some 17,600 lives and injured 53,000 people, according to official figures. Reuters reports that there is little modern earthquake education in Iran. "Most people think that what God wills will happen. This is absolutely wrong . This thinking is poisonous," Tehran University professor Bahram Akasheh told the news agency. ------------------------------------------------------------------ Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Jaabir Posted December 26, 2003 la xawla wala qwata ilaa bilaaah.. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Saxardiid Posted December 26, 2003 inaa lilaahi wainaa ilayhi raajicuun Allaha u naxariisto muslimiinta halkaa ku baaba'dey Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Oocyte Posted December 27, 2003 It is devastating. The death toll continues to rise. May God help them all. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Ibtisaam Posted December 27, 2003 Inaa lilaahi wa inaa ilayhi raajicuun. Ilaahay janada ha ka waraabiyo Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
7_steps_2_Heaven Posted December 28, 2003 Innaa lillaahi wa innaa ilaahi raajicuun. yesterday they said on da news 25.000 its believed to have died on that earthquake. earthquake is 1 of da signs when da day of judgment is close. ps, ilaah ha u naxariisto muslimiinta dhimatay Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Modesty Posted December 29, 2003 Allah ha u naxariisto! When did this happen? What date? I don't watch the NEWS often since it depresses me most of the time. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Modesty Posted December 29, 2003 Oh never mind my question...this Friday. la illaha ila laahu Muhamadan rasululah. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
PlayMaker Posted December 29, 2003 Innaa lillahi wa innaa ilaahi raajicoon, Ilaahey ha unnaxariisto. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Thinkerman Posted December 30, 2003 Update Article Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Bambina Posted December 31, 2003 Salam nomads , I was horrified when I heard the news and seeing on TV , many people trying to survive in the cold after losing their loved ones and their homes, made me realize that life is short and I needed to work on my deen to be become a better muslim. May Allah , help those who are in need. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
